Lebanon to boycott Paris book fair

 

Lebanon is to stay away from this year”s Paris book fair in protest at the invitation of Israel as guest of honour, Culture Minister Tarek Mitri announced on Wednesday.

 

“Lebanon will not participate this year in protest at the cultural event”s organisers” decision to select Israel as guest of honour,” Mitri said in a statement.

 

Lebanon is the first Arab government to announce a boycott of the March 14 to 19 event after organisers announced that 39 Israeli writers were being invited to mark the 60th anniversary of the Jewish state.